Thursday, 31 December 2009

A Few Pics To Catch Up

Baby Blanket Progress


Zoe Meoller Baby Slippers



Shawl Back Shrug (more of my non lacy lace, complete with duck tail). Blocking didn't help, going to try pressing it. It is awfully snuggly though :-)







Baby Shoes



"Dugal"

Wednesday, 16 December 2009

Pooped

Things have been hectic around here again. Dad fell over again and ended up back in hospital.They discovered pneumonia again and a small fracture between no. L2 & L3 in his lower back. The fracture was not serious but very painful. Thinks it's been 3 or 4 weeks now, time has become a blur. Last time I had time off , but have worked as well as trying to get in as many visits as possible. Mum and DD went to New Zealand for 6 days and I had to look after Mum's animals and try and keep the gardens alive in the dreadful dry heat. We also organised a new (well nearly) car for DH as the old ute was about to drop the gearbox all over the road. Unfortunately we got well and truly screwed with the finance. Can you believe some companies charge you $10.00 to make a loan repayment. There has been some definite breaches of the trade practices act by the finance broker and I am in the frame of mind to do something about it.

On a happy note DH is getting a puppy on the weekend. I have finished the shawl back shawl, it's a bit stiff even after blocking. Finished a pair of baby slippers and working on another which need to be completed by the 23rd. I have also made progress on the baby blanket. Pics next time

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

Nearly there

On my second attempt at crocheted picot edge to The Shawl Shrug. Then it will be complete.

Today I spend a couple of hours in waiting rooms and nearly have a baby slipper to show for it.

Dad is back in hospital, with a small fracture in his back and pneumonia again. All seems to be getting better, but it means a lot of running around. So not getting home till 7.30 - 8.00 each night after work. He is waiting for a place in rehab which is a bit further away. Have some time off end of next week which should make things a bit easier hopefully. Have to look after Mum's animals and gardens, but that's just next door. Mum & DD going to New Zealand for 6 days. It's a dog judging trip for Mum, but they are using it as a trial run. They hope to go to England next year together.

Time to finish said shawl & slipper

Friday, 13 November 2009

Still Working on Shawl Back Shrug

Have to say it's been a bit of a challenge due to the instructions being fairly bare-boned (if that's the expression). It's top down and basically you just keep going till you think you've reached the armholes, then do sleeves to desired lengths, either both at the same time on 2 circs or individually on dpns. Then go back and do the fronts and back together. You get given a cast on amount of stitches for an adult and child size , then it's up to you. I have made it to back & front and should be plain sailing from here as you just keep decreasing until you runs out of stitches. Then it's just a band all the way round (lot's of picking up stitches - uhh).This is my second attempt at lace and think it's not really going to look that lacy, probably more like a honeycomb texture, being acrylic yarn can't see it blocking out much. But hopefully will look nice over summer dresses. My second attempt at Adia is coming along slowly and again still not really that lacy even on needles 3 sizes bigger ,but may block out OK.

Found some Cotone ( a good substitute for Cara) at Lincraft Bankstown and they have a mailing service, so didn't even have to make the trek across town, and must say postage was really reasonable. Was impressed as they took my number and called me back at 5.30 on Tuesday afternoon took they order and package was at PO Thursday to collect. Seems they are the only store with any Cotone left as Lincraft will not be ordering anymore. Was also impressed with the Blacktown store as they bothered to find out which store had some in stock. So anyway Baby Blanket will be able to proceed. Did get some Cara from Ebay but not enough of different colours for the blanket. So will have a stash of it now.

Sunday, 25 October 2009

Stitch Markers



Needed some more for Shawl-Back Shrug just started. Have a stash of beads mainly from gifts my daughter received when she was little, for making necklaces etc. So went to $2 shop and picked up some loops & wires for jewellery making and came up with these last Friday evening. This could become a dangerous addiction:-/

Sunday, 18 October 2009

Desparately Seeking Cara

What to make this blanket for my friend's baby. Thought my stash of Cara Cotton Acrylic Blend by Grundl would be perfect. It was sold at Spotlight here in Australia. But I'm a bit short on the amount I need, if anybody has colours other than green , I would be interested in buying it, or even Sullivans Cotone,looking for bright colours.Eg. orange,deep pink, yellow or blue

Thursday, 15 October 2009

Computer's Huummm

Yes both managed to die on the same day. The desktop tower caught fire due to a faulty on switch, not much damage but was without it for 4 days. I think the lap top will be more terminal. Have been trying to find some Cara yarn or Carola as it's also known from Grundl. Have some, but not enough to make the blanket I want to. It seems it's probably discontinued and was one of those that got sold off in Spotlight a few years ago, it's only stashed about 3 times on Ravelry. There was some on Ebay, but more than I need and most really not the colours I'm after.

Finished Meret two weeks ago and made a trial run of Lion Brand's City Mouse , have now started on my version of it. Frogged Aida and have started again with bigger needles and less stitches, it actually does look like lace now, that's mainly a few rows a day work project though.